The question asks about the implication of a wetland being placed under the 'Montreux Record'. This requires knowledge of the Ramsar Convention and its associated mechanisms, specifically the Montreux Record.
Correct Option: A) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
The question asks about the legal framework under which the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is constituted. This requires knowledge of environmental and regulatory bodies in India.
C) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The GEAC is a statutory body constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, specifically through the "Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989" which derive their authority from this Act.
The question asks about the types of areas that can be declared as Wildlife Sanctuaries under the Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972. To answer this, we need to recall the provisions of this Act regarding the establishment of protected areas.
Correct Option: A) Ecologically significant areas. This option correctly reflects the broad criteria mentioned in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which allows for the declaration of any area with ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance as a Wildlife Sanctuary.
The question asks to identify the key distinguishing feature between a National Park and a Wildlife Sanctuary in India. Both are protected areas, but they differ in the degree of protection and permissible activities.
Correct Option: A) Greater protection and livestock grazing prohibition
This option accurately captures the main distinction. National Parks provide a higher degree of protection compared to Wildlife Sanctuaries. Crucially, livestock grazing, which is sometimes permitted in a regulated manner in sanctuaries, is strictly prohibited in National Parks.
The question asks about authorities, other than the State Government, that can declare a Wildlife Sanctuary or National Park. This falls under environmental law and governance in India, specifically the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
A) Central Government. The Central Government has the power to declare Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in addition to the State Government.
The question asks about the procedural steps required before a final notification for a wildlife sanctuary is issued. This falls under environmental law and administration, specifically the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in India. Understanding the sequence of notifications is key to answering this question.
Correct Option: A) Initial notification is required before a final notification of a sanctuary is issued. This is the first formal step taken by the State Government to declare an area as a sanctuary, as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.